FAQs

How do I take lessons?

The first step to enrolling is finding the instructor best suited to your needs. Our staff is here to help you with this important decision! Call, email, or fill out this form so we can discuss the student’s age and level of experience, scheduling limitations, specific styles or techniques, and any other considerations. This info will be relayed to the appropriate instructor, who will contact you within 48 hours to answer further questions and schedule a lesson time. At your first lesson you will receive an enrollment form to complete and hand in to the school office (also available online. We will send it to you).

Where is the school located, and what amenities do you have?

AMS is located on Beacham’s Curve in West Asheville at 10 Ridgelawn Rd., catty corner from Pizza Mind and OWL Bakery. Follow this link for a map. The school has 2 floors, both of which have street-level entrances. Our music studios are equipped with pianos, guitar and bass amps, drum kits, and more. We have a spacious waiting area with Wi Fi where parents and siblings can work, socialize, or do homework. Walk, bike, or take public transit via W1, W2, and W6.

Where can I park?

We have our own parking lot with about 10 spaces. When our lot fills up, free street parking is available on Haywood Rd. and Beverly Rd. West. After 5pm, parking is available in the gravel lot across Ridgelawn Rd. Please do no park on Longview Rd.

How much is lesson tuition, and when is it due?

Tuition for private lessons is set by, and paid directly to, your teacher. Teachers’ tuition rates are published on their bio pages and currently range from $110 to $140 per month for a weekly 30-minute private lesson. Tuition is paid in advance and is due on the last week, or last lesson, of each month for the following month.

Are there any other fees in addition to tuition?

There are annual membership dues of $65 per family collected after your first lesson, then yearly on your enrollment anniversary month. Monthly subscriptions are also available.

AMS membership benefits include:
• two student recitals each year
• discounts on summer camps and workshops
• listing in the AMS Business Network on our website
• newsletters, special mailings, and members only offers
• discount tickets to AMS events
• sheet music copies, as applicable
• online lesson website for live-streaming lessons

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, AMS offers need-based scholarships. Go to Scholarships page for detailed info on how to apply.

What is the appropriate age to begin lessons?

It depends on the instrument. Children can typically start on piano at age 3 ½; violin/viola at 4; cello at five; guitar at 6; drums at 7. Most of the band instruments we can start at age 9 or 10. For other instruments, please contact the office so a staff member can advise you. You can also check teachers’ bio pages for a listing of the ages they typically teach. Adults- it’s never too late to start learning music!

Does AMS offer lessons to adults?

Absolutely! We have many adult students at AMS. They even perform in our recitals, and sometimes they form ensembles. 

How long do I have to take lessons before I’m good?

Many facets determine the answer to this question, including: How motivated are you? Do you have access to an instrument at home? And the Big One: are you committed to regular practice? A daily practice regime of 30 minutes (20 minutes for younger beginners) will yield good results. More important than the amount of time you practice is the consistency of practice. Though we recommend weekly half-hour lessons for beginners, students with more experience will progress quickly with longer and/or more frequent lessons.

Do you have student recitals?

Recitals are held twice a year in the spring and winter. Though we strongly encourage students to participate, recitals are not mandatory. We hold recitals in the Loft, our own performance space, and sometimes at outside venues. You will receive notice of the dates and location for recitals well in advance.

What does AMS offer besides private lessons?

Our popular Summer Camp program has one-week camp experiences in a variety of music styles for ages 4 – 18. Students with some experience may audition for one of our Outreach Ensembles. And we occasionally offer workshops with AMS faculty and guest artists. Be sure to read our e-newsletter to keep up on current offerings.  

Are there lessons offered in the summer?

Absolutely, summer is a great time for lessons. We will gladly work around your vacation and camp schedules. And, we have our own music summer camps.

Are gift certificates and merchandise available?

Yes! Call or email the office and we’ll help you with purchasing a gift certificate in any amount that may be used to take lessons with any instructor. We also have AMS T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, water bottles, coffee mugs, and more.